Using recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies are a good source for your job search if you understand how they operate and know how to communicate with them.
Recruitment agencies:
- work for an organisation to find suitable candidates for full-time, part-time and temporary/temp roles
- advertise positions, collect and short-list applications, interview and test candidates
Two types:
- agencies that specialise in:
- an industry (e.g. arts and creative, business and law, education, health, science and technology)
- a level of experience (e.g. entry level administrator, high level executive)
- a geographic area
- general agency
Two ways to apply:
- apply for an advertised position via agency websites
- contact the agency directly. Some agencies will interview without having a specific vacancy if they like the look of your resume. They may keep your resume on file and contact you if a suitable job comes up
Communication tips:
Be mindful of special resume scanning software that searches for keywords! To ensure the scanning software recognizes your resume as a good match for the advertised position:
- search for suitable vacancies on the agency website
- note 'keywords' used to describe skills and experience
- use the same ‘keywords’ in your resume when describing your skills and experience relevant to the role
- keep resume formatting simple
- use ResumeBuilder to create a great resume
Be selective:
Use your time wisely:
- only contact agencies that are relevant to your job-search
- research and find 2 or 3 that suit your industry, level of experience and geographic area
- ask a Career Mentor for their advice
Connect and build rapport:
Increase your chance of securing a position by using your interpersonal skills to create a positive impression:
- Before you call:
- prepare your questions
- practice talking about your skills and experience in a confident and positive way
- use Interview Gold to practice
- make the purpose of your call/email clear
- take notes so you don't forget their advice
- follow up if you don’t hear from them (recruiters are often under a lot of pressure, so take it as an opportunity to show you are proactive)
Know yourself and your career goals:
- be very clear about what you can offer and the type of position you are seeking (your career goals). A recruiter will be more helpful if you know what you are looking for
- gain clarity - book a career counselling appointment
Persevere and ask for feedback:
If you are not successful in your 1st or 2nd application, keep trying
- make regular contact every 2 to 3 weeks
- review your approach and try something different
- ask for some feedback
- what can you do to improve your chances of employment in your area?
- what improvements could you make to your resume?
Good luck and remember to contact your nearest Careers and Employment office for assistance
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